Effects of nitrogen enrichment and clonal integration on the expansion of Alternanthera philoxeroides in aquatic habitats

摘要

This study examined the effects of nitrogen enrichment and clonal integration on the growth and expansion process from terrestrial to aquatic habitats of the amphibious and invasive plant Alternanthera philoxeroides. The clonal fragments of A. philoxeroides were subjected to three nitrogen levels of 10/3, 10 and 30 mg/1 N with the stolon connections either severed or left connected. The results suggested that nitrogen enrichment increased the clonal growth and expansion of A. philoxeroides in aquatic habitats. Clonal integration supports the expansion of A. philoxeroides from terrestrial to aquatic environments. And A. philoxeroides will be more invasive in nitrogen enriched waters due to the synergistic effects of nitrogen enrichment and clonal integration.